At a glance: United States of America

New York Stock Exchange rings in UNICEF’s 60th anniversary

UNICEF representatives visit the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate the agency’s 60th anniversary by ringing the opening bell.

NEW YORK, USA, 7 December 2006 – A group of children and UNICEF representatives visited the New York Stock Exchange yesterday, ringing the opening bell to celebrate the agency’s 60th anniversary.

“It was a privelege to ring in UNICEF’s first 60 years in such a prestigious setting,” said US Fund for UNICEF board member Amy Robbins, who did the honours. “And it reaffirms the fact that investing in child survival and development – besides being the right thing to do – is absolutely critical to the health of the global economy.”

Apart from the celebration on the floor of the legendary Stock Exchange, other activities will be held at the United Nations and UNICEF headquarters to mark the anniversary. During the next a few days, a commemorative meeting, a children’s gathering, the screening of documentary films and an exhibition of artworks will all celebrate the past, present and future of UNICEF.

Founded in 1946, UNICEF was created by the UN General Assembly to lead the way in one of the most important endeavors in human history – saving and improving the lives of the world’s children. Today UNICEF is active in more than 190 countries, transforming young lives through its work on health, education, equality and protection.